Calendula is a popular flowering plant that is native to the Mediterranean region but is now grown worldwide for its ornamental and medicinal properties. Its bright, yellow-orange flowers bloom profusely and are a popular addition to gardens and landscapes. Calendula is also used in various cosmetic and medicinal products, owing to its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties.
Botanical name: Calendula officinalis
Plant morphology: Calendula plants typically grow up to 2 feet tall, with leaves that are long and lance-shaped, with toothed margins. The plant produces bright yellow-orange flowers, each about 2-3 inches in diameter, that bloom profusely from early summer to fall.
Soil and climatic requirements: Calendula thrives in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade. It is a cool-season plant and grows best in mild temperatures, with temperatures between 15-25℃ being ideal. It can also tolerate light frosts.
Planting type: Calendula seeds can be directly sown into the garden or started indoors and then transplanted. The seeds should be planted about 1/4 inch deep in moist soil, with a spacing of about 12-16 inches between plants.
Watering: Calendula plants require moderate watering, with the soil being kept moist but not waterlogged. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so it is important to ensure proper drainage.
Fertilization: Calendula plants do not require heavy fertilization and can do well with a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer applied once a month during the growing season.
Harvesting: The flowers of the calendula plant can be harvested when they are fully open and at their peak, typically in mid-summer to early fall. The flowers can be dried and used in various cosmetic and medicinal products or brewed as a tea.
